In the Know Bob Brackett: The Global Nuclear Renaissance
Jul 22, 2025
Bob Brackett, a Senior US energy and global natural resource analyst, dives into the evolving world of nuclear power. He discusses nuclear's role as a clean energy source amid the shift away from fossil fuels and outlines the current uranium market dynamics. Bob explains how reactor construction costs differ globally and the safety history of nuclear energy, addressing common fears. He also highlights the growing interest among investors in uranium equities and the geopolitical factors shaping future nuclear policies.
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Nuclear's Unique Role In Clean Baseload
- Nuclear offers a unique combo of zero-emission and baseload power that few other sources match.
- Bob Brackett says nuclear could grow from ~10% to ~15% of electricity by the 2040s with sufficient investment.
Replication Drives Reactor Cost Declines
- China is building reactors fast and cheaply by repeating a simple design at scale.
- Brackett argues future cost declines will come from replication and 'nth-of-a-kind' learning curves, not one-off projects.
Perception Skews Nuclear Risk Judgments
- Humans overestimate rare, dramatic risks and underweight familiar risks like coal or hydropower.
- Brackett notes nuclear accidents loom large emotionally despite lower statistical fatalities compared with other energy sources.